The Florida native is headed to Soldier Field.
Even after suffering a gruesome leg injury to end his senior year at the University of Alabama, the National Football League has need of former Crimson Tide safety Eddie Jackson. In attempts to snatch the marquee defensive back, the Chicago Bears front office traded up to get Jackson in the fourth round. (No. 112 overall)
He played receiver in high school, but grew into being a standout athlete in the secondary. Jackson turned in nine interceptions for his career, including a team-high six picks in the Tide’s College Football Playoff national championship year in 2015. Bears’ head coach John Fox will also inherit a game-changer on special teams.
Jackson collected 253 punt returns yards on 11 attempts a season ago, and returned two punts for touchdowns against Ole Miss and Tennessee. He joins a defensive secondary that boasts the likes of Kyle Fuller and Jonathan Banks. Chicago hasn’t had a huge presence in its secondary since Charles “Peanut” Tillman; however, Jackson possesses the capability to provided that leadership.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
